At this point in The Best Picture Project, I’ve seen 38 Best Picture Winners – 39 if you count this film – which amounts to roughly half of the Academy’s big winners. After seeing all those films I’d like to think I have a pretty good grasp on what the Academy prefers. Generally they like their movies light and airy and uplifting, but occasionally they get a yen for something epic or even a little bit edgy, as long as both are ultimately sunny. In short, they like ‘safe’ films, the kind that are likely to offend the fewest number of people. Continue reading →

Somewhere in the history of this project – probably here – I was a bit incredulous that It’s A Wonderful Life did not win Best Picture of 1946. After all, the movie was everything the Academy loves: it’s sappy, with charming acting, humor and grandstanding speeches, and a sense of nostalgia for a bygone time. Plus, with the Harry Bailey winning the Medal of Honor storyline, it also tapped into nationalistic fervor. In all, it seemed like a natural to win, except the Academy had other plans, giving the award to The Best Years of Our Lives, another William Wyler movie that I just don’t get. Continue reading →